Taximeter, system and method for a taxi

ABSTRACT

A taximeter apparatus, system and method for a taxi are disclosed. In one aspect, the taximeter apparatus includes a processing system including a memory having stored therein a plurality of computer applications. The processing system is configured to receive a route from a server via a network. The route is indicative of at least a start location or a destination location for a passenger. The processing system is also configured to receive a fare from the server based on the route, receive geographical coordinates as the taxi progresses from the start location to the destination location, and use the geographical coordinates to confirm the destination was reached. The processing system causes a payment application to facilitate electronic payment of the fare after confirming the destination was reached.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/511,563 filed on Jul. 15, 2019, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/648,459filed on May 29, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,354,299, which is the USNational Phase under 35 USC § 371 of International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/AU2013/001388, filed on Nov. 29, 2013, which claims priorityfrom Australian Provisional Patent Application No's. 2012905266 filed on30 Nov. 2012 and 2013901235 filed on 11 Apr. 2013, the content of whichis incorporated herein by reference herein for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a taximeter, system and a method ofoperating the same for a taxi.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of components for determining the fare due andfacilitating payment in a taxi. For example, the system includes apayment engine, and payment device (commonly referred to as a paymentPIN pad) and a meter device. It has been found that there is a lack ofintegration between these components of the payment system for taxiswhich makes the task of installing and operating the device difficult.Additionally, the current payment technology in a taxi is limited inrelation to the taxi trip and fare information that can be provided tocustomers, networks and operators. Furthermore, non-cash payment offares is difficult utilising the current payment technology. A number ofmanual processes are required from the passenger and the taxi driver inorder for the transaction to be successfully completed with non-cashpayments. Moreover, it is difficult for audits of payments for taxifares to be conducted for passengers, operators and networks. Inaddition, in the event that the user wishes to authorise payment of thefare wirelessly using a mobile device such as a mobile telephone, thereare difficulties in ensuring that the mobile telephone establishes awireless data connection with the correct payment system, particularlyin areas where there may be more than one taxi within a wirelessproximity of the mobile telephone.

Therefore, there is a need to at least alleviate one or more of theabove-mentioned problems or provide a commercial alternative.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from the prior publication), or to any matter whichis known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment oradmission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (orinformation derived from the prior publication) or known matter formspart of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to whichthis specification relates.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the PreferredEmbodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a first aspect there is provided a taximeter for use in a taxi,wherein the taximeter includes a processing system including a memoryhaving stored therein a plurality of computer applications, wherein theprocessing system is configured to:

-   -   execute a meter application during a passenger trip to determine        a fare due; and    -   execute a payment application to facilitate electronic payment        of the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a touch screen displayoperable to display one or more interfaces of the plurality of computerapplications and to receive input for operating at least one of theplurality of computer applications.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes or is to be incommunication with one or more sensors, wherein the memory is arrangedto store operational data indicative of sensed signals.

In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors include anaccelerometer, wherein the operational data is indicative of a properacceleration of the taximeter in the taxi.

In certain embodiments, the operational data is indicative of the properacceleration of the taximeter which is greater than a properacceleration threshold.

In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors include one or morepassenger detection sensors operable to detect a passenger entering orexiting the taxi.

In certain embodiments, the one or more passenger detection sensorsinclude one or more door latch sensors.

In certain embodiments, the one or more passenger detection sensorsinclude one or more pressure sensors operable to sense a passengersitting in a passenger seat in the taxi.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a NFC reader is operableto communicate with a NFC enabled device.

In certain embodiments, the NFC reader is operable to communicate with apayment instrument including a NFC chip, wherein the payment applicationis operable to facilitate payment of the fare due based upon the datasensed from the payment instrument.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes an optical sensoroperable to scan indicia indicative of a payment request, wherein thepayment application is operable to use the payment request to facilitateelectronic payment of the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the indicia is:

-   -   printed media; or    -   an electronically displayed graphic.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a geographicalpositioning unit operable to provide geographical coordinates of thetaxi during the trip, wherein the geographical coordinates aretime-stamped.

In certain embodiments, the memory is arranged to have stored thereintoll data indicative of associated entry and exit areas for tolledareas, wherein the processing system is operable to automatically detectusing the recorded geographical coordinates whether the taxi has passedthrough associated entry and exit areas of a tolled area, wherein inresponse to the detection, the meter application is operable to modifythe fare due to include a toll amount associated with the respectivetolled area.

In certain embodiments, the processing system is operable to determinethe duration between the taxi passing through the detected entry andexit areas against one or more temporal thresholds, wherein in the eventthat the duration satisfies the one or more temporal thresholds, themeter application is operable to modify the fare due according to theassociated toll amount.

In certain embodiments, the temporal threshold is a temporal range,wherein in response to the processing system determining that theduration is within the temporal range, the meter application is arrangedto modify the fare due with the toll amount accordingly.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter receives encoder pulses from anencoder associated with tyres of the taxi, wherein the taximeter isconfigured to:

-   -   determine a first distance travelled by the taxi using the        geographical coordinates;    -   determine a second distance travelled using the pulses received        from the encoder; and    -   determine, based on a discrepancy between the first distance and        the second distance, whether a discrepancy threshold has been        satisfied, wherein in response to a positive determination, the        processing system outputs a message indicative of the taximeter        requiring reconfiguration.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter is operable to be configured by aportable configuration storage device connectable to an interface of thetaximeter.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a communication deviceoperable to enable wireless communication with one or more remotedevices.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter is operable to establish a datacommunication connection with a mobile device associated with thepassenger which is used for facilitating payment of the fare due.

In certain embodiments, after the data communication connection isestablished, the taximeter is operable to receive an authorisation dataobject from the mobile device authorising payment of the fare due,wherein the authorisation data object is associated with an accountassociated with the passenger and maintained by the server processingsystem, wherein the taximeter is operable to transfer the authorisationdata object to the server processing system for the passenger's accountto be debited according to the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the authorisation data object is indicative ofan expiration deadline, wherein the taximeter is operable to perform avalidation of the authorisation data object based on the expirationdeadline to determine if the authorisation data object has expired, andin the event of the authorisation data object has expired, to transferdata to the mobile device indicating that the authorisation data objecthas expired.

In a second aspect there is provided a system including:

-   -   the taximeter according to the first aspect; and    -   a server processing system in data communication with the        taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the server processing system has access to aserver data store having stored therein trip data and payment datarecorded by the taximeter, wherein the server processing system isconfigured to:

-   -   receive a request for an electronic receipt relating to a trip        from a requesting device; and    -   transfer to the requesting device an electronic receipt        indicative of the trip data and payment data associated with the        trip, wherein the trip data and payment data are retrieved from        the server data store.

In certain embodiments, the electronic receipt is indicative of theroute of the trip.

In certain embodiments, the route of the trip is indicated by a map.

In certain embodiments, the server processing system hosts a reportingportal for reporting at least some of the data recorded by the taximeterof the taxi and stored in the server data store, wherein the serverprocessing system is configured to:

-   -   receive, from a requesting device, a request to report at least        some of the data recorded by the taximeter associated with the        respective taxi;    -   generate a report based upon data stored in the server data        store; and    -   transfer the report to the requesting device.

In certain embodiments, the system includes a mobile applicationexecuted upon a mobile device associated with the passenger, wherein thepassenger interacts with the mobile application to facilitate payment ofthe fare due, wherein the mobile device, under control of the mobileapplication, communicates with at least one of the taximeter and theserver processing system to facilitate payment of the fare.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is configured by the mobileapplication to:

-   -   generate, based upon received wireless signals, a list of a        plurality wireless devices able to communicate with the mobile        device;

determine a received signal strength indicator for each wireless device;

-   -   discriminate between the plurality wireless devices based upon        the received signal strength indicators to determine one of the        wireless devices as the taximeter; and    -   facilitate in establishing a wireless data communication session        with the wireless device determined as the taximeter in order to        enable the passenger to authorise payment of the fare due via        the mobile device.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is configured by the mobileapplication to:

-   -   determine a transmitting power level for each wireless device;        and    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices further        using the transmitting power level for each wireless device to        determine one of the wireless device as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is configured by the mobileapplication to:

-   -   determine a calibrated transmitting power level for each        wireless device; and    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices further        using the calibrated transmitting power level for each wireless        device to determine one of the wireless device as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, after the data communication connection isestablished, the taximeter receives an authorisation data object fromthe mobile device authorising payment of the fare due, wherein theauthorisation data object is associated with an account associated withpassenger and maintained by the server processing system, wherein thetaximeter transfers the authorisation data object to the serverprocessing system for the passenger's account to be debited according tothe fare due.

In certain embodiments, the authorisation data object is indicative ofan expiration deadline, wherein the taximeter performs a validation ofthe authorisation data object based on the expiration deadline todetermine if the authorisation data object has expired, and in the eventof the authorisation data object has expired, transferring data to themobile device indicating that the authorisation data object has expired.

In a third aspect there is provided computer executable instructionsstored in memory of a mobile device associated with a passenger forauthorising payment of a fare due with a taximeter associated with ataxi, wherein the mobile device includes a processor operable tocommunicate with the memory and a transceiver, wherein the mobiledevice's processor is operable to:

-   -   generate in the mobile device's memory, based upon received        wireless signals, a list of a plurality wireless devices able to        communicate with the mobile device, wherein one of the wireless        devices is the taximeter;    -   determine a received signal strength indicator for each wireless        device;    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices based        upon the received signal strength indicators to determine one of        the wireless devices as the taximeter; and    -   facilitate in establishing a wireless data communication session        with the wireless device determined as the taximeter in order to        enable the passenger to authorise payment of the fare due via        the mobile device.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's processor is operable to:

-   -   determine a transmitting power level for each wireless device;        and    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices further        using the transmitting power level for each wireless device to        determine one of the wireless devices as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is operable to receive, viathe mobile device's transceiver, the transmitting power level from eachwireless device.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is operable to determine acalibrated transmitting power level for each wireless device, whereineach calibrated transmitting power level is indicative of a transmittingpower level of the respective wireless device which is adjustedaccording to a calibration factor.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is operable to receive, viathe mobile device's transceiver, the calibrated transmitting power levelfor each wireless device.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is operable to receive fromeach wireless device, via the mobile device's transceiver, a calibrationfactor and a transmitting power level, wherein the mobile device'sprocessor is operable to:

-   -   determine a calibrated transmitting power level using the        calibration factor and the transmitting power level; and    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices further        based upon the calibrated transmitting power level for each        wireless device to determine one of the wireless devices as the        taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's processor is operable to login the mobile device's memory data indicative of one or moreadvertisement messages received from the plurality of wireless devicesand a time which at least some of the advertisement messages werereceived by the mobile device, wherein the mobile device's processor isoperable to:

-   -   determine a period of time which each wireless device has been        broadcasting to the mobile device; and    -   discriminate between the plurality of wireless devices further        based upon the period of time each wireless device has been        broadcasting to the mobile device to determine one of the        wireless devices as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's processor is operable todiscriminate between the plurality of wireless devices by generating ascore, using one or more scoring rules stored in the mobile device'smemory, for each wireless device, wherein one of the wireless devices isidentified as the taximeter based on the respective score.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's processor is operable tofacilitate in establishing a secure wireless data communication sessionwith the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device is operable to determine adevice identifier associated with each wireless device based on thereceived wireless signals, wherein the mobile device's memory has storedtherein a taxi network device identifier, wherein the mobile device'sprocessor is operable to remove one or more wireless devices from thelist which have a device identifier which does not correspond to thetaxi network device identifier.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a system for use by a taxi, whereinthe system includes:

-   -   the computer executable instructions according to the third        aspect; and    -   the taximeter mounted within the taxi including a processor in        communication with a transceiver and a memory having stored        therein executable instructions which configure the processor to        facilitate electronic payment of the fare due, wherein the        taximeter is operable to:    -   wirelessly broadcast, via the taximeter's transceiver, an        advertisement message indicating that the taximeter is available        for establishing a wireless data communication session; and    -   facilitate in establishing a wireless data communication session        with the mobile device in order to receive authorisation for        electronic payment of the fare due from the mobile device        operated by the passenger.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a geographicalpositioning unit that is operable to be in communication with thetaximeter's processor, wherein the taximeter's processor is operable toobtain a plurality of geographical coordinates from the geographicalpositioning unit during the trip and to record trip data indicative ofthe plurality of geographical coordinates in the taximeter's memory,wherein each geographical coordinate is time-stamped.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter's processor is operable to compareone of the geographical coordinates obtained from the geographicalpositioning unit against a most recently recorded geographicalcoordinate stored in the taximeter's memory, wherein in the event thatgeographical coordinates are substantially similar, the taximeterprocessor is operable to not record the obtained geographical coordinatein the taximeter's memory.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device includes an output deviceoperable to communicate with the mobile device's processor, whereinafter the wireless data communication session is established between thetaximeter and the mobile device, the taximeter is operable to wirelesslytransfer trip data indicative of a route of the trip to the mobiledevice, and wherein the mobile device's output device is operable topresent the route using the trip data.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter's memory has stored therein tolldata indicative of associated entry and exit areas for one or moretolled areas and a respective one or more toll amounts, wherein thetaximeter processor is operable to automatically detect, using therecorded geographical coordinates, whether the taxi has passed throughone of the associated entry and exit areas of one of the one or moretolled areas, wherein in response to the detection, the taximeter'sprocessor is operable to modify the fare due to include the respectivetoll amount.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter's processor is operable to:

-   -   determine a duration between time-stamps of the respective        geographical coordinates associated with the detected entry and        exit areas;    -   compare the duration against one or more temporal thresholds        stored in the taximeter's memory; and    -   modify the fare due according to the associated toll amount in        the event that the duration satisfies the one or more temporal        thresholds.

In certain embodiments, each temporal threshold is a temporal range,wherein in response to the taximeter's processor determining that theduration is within the temporal range, the taximeter's processor isoperable to modify the fare due to include the associated toll amount.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's memory has stored therein anauthorisation data object, wherein the authorisation data object isgenerated by a server processing system and transferred to the mobiledevice, wherein after the wireless data communication session isestablished the taximeter is operable to receive the authorisation dataobject from the mobile device authorising payment of the fare due,wherein the authorisation data object is indicative of an accountassociated with the passenger and maintained by the server processingsystem, wherein the taximeter is operable to transfer the authorisationdata object to the server processing system for authorising thepassenger's account to be debited according to the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the authorisation data object is indicative ofan expiration deadline, wherein the taximeter's processor is operable toperform a validation of the authorisation data object based on theexpiration deadline to determine if the authorisation data object hasexpired, and in the event of the authorisation data object has expired,to transfer data to the mobile device indicating that the authorisationdata object has expired.

In certain embodiments, the system includes the mobile device.

In a fifth aspect there is provided a method for enabling a passenger toauthorise payment of the fare due from a taximeter via a mobile deviceassociated with the passenger, wherein the mobile device includes aprocessor in communication with memory and a transceiver, wherein themethod includes:

-   -   the mobile device's processor generating in the mobile device's        memory, based upon received wireless signals, a list of a        plurality wireless devices able to communicate with the mobile        device, wherein one of the wireless devices is the taximeter;    -   the mobile device's processor determining a received signal        strength indicator for each wireless device;    -   the mobile device's processor discriminating between the        plurality wireless devices based upon the received signal        strength indicators to determine one of the wireless devices as        the taximeter; and    -   the mobile device's processor facilitating in establishing a        wireless data communication session with the wireless device        determined as the taximeter in order to enable the passenger to        authorise payment of the fare due via the mobile device.

In certain embodiments, the method includes:

-   -   the mobile device's processor determining a transmitting power        level for each wireless device; and    -   the mobile device's processor discriminating between the        plurality of wireless devices further using the transmitting        power level for each wireless device to determine one of the        wireless device as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device receiving,via the mobile device's transceiver, the transmitting power level fromeach wireless device.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile devicedetermining a calibrated transmitting power level from each wirelessdevice, wherein each calibrated transmitting power level is indicativeof a transmitting power level of the respective wireless device which isadjusted according to a calibration factor.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device receiving,via the mobile device's transceiver, the calibrated transmitting powerlevel.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device receives from each wirelessdevice, via the mobile device's transceiver, a calibration factor and atransmitting power level, wherein the method includes:

-   -   the mobile device's processor determining a calibrated        transmitting power level using the calibration factor and the        transmitting power level; and    -   the mobile device's processor discriminating between the        plurality of wireless devices further based upon the calibrated        transmitting power level for each wireless device to determine        one of the wireless devices as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's processor logs in the mobiledevice's memory data indicative of advertisement messages received fromthe plurality of wireless devices and a time which at least some of theadvertisement messages were received by the mobile device, wherein themethod includes:

-   -   the mobile device's processor determining a period of time which        each wireless device has been broadcasting to the mobile device;        and    -   the mobile device's processor discriminating between the        plurality of wireless devices further based upon the period of        time each wireless device has been broadcasting to the mobile        device to determine one of the wireless device as the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device'sprocessor discriminating between the plurality of wireless devices bygenerating a score, using one or more scoring rules stored in the mobiledevice's memory, for each wireless device, wherein one of the wirelessdevices is identified as the taximeter based on the respective score.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device'sprocessor facilitating in establishing a secure wireless datacommunication session with the taximeter.

In certain embodiments, the advertising message includes a taxi networkidentifier, wherein the mobile device's memory has stored therein thetaxi network identifier, wherein the method includes the taximeter'sprocessor removing one or more wireless devices from the list which failto be indicative of the taxi network identifier.

In certain embodiments, the method includes:

-   -   the mobile device's processor determining a device identifier        associated with each wireless device based on the received        wireless signals, wherein the mobile device's memory has stored        therein a taxi network device identifier; and    -   the mobile device's processor removing one or more wireless        devices from the list which have a device identifier which does        not correspond to the taxi network device identifier.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a processor incommunication with a transceiver and a memory having stored thereinexecutable instructions which configure the processor to facilitateelectronic payment of the fare due, wherein the method includes:

-   -   the taximeter's transceiver wirelessly broadcasting an        advertisement message indicating that the taximeter is available        for establishing a wireless data communication session; and    -   the taximeter processor facilitating in establishing a wireless        data communication session with the mobile device in order to        receive authorisation for electronic payment of the fare due        from the mobile device operated by the passenger.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter includes a geographicalpositioning unit that is in communication with the taximeter'sprocessor, wherein the method includes:

-   -   the taximeter's processor obtaining a plurality of geographical        coordinates from the geographical positioning unit during the        trip; and    -   the taximeter's processor recording in the taximeter's memory        trip data indicative of the geographical coordinates, wherein        each geographical coordinate is time-stamped.

In certain embodiments, the method includes the taximeter's processorcomparing one of the geographical coordinates obtained from thegeographical positioning unit against a most recently recordedgeographical coordinate stored in the taximeter's memory, wherein in theevent that geographical coordinates are substantially similar, thetaximeter processor does not record the obtained geographical coordinatein taximeter's memory.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device includes an output device incommunication with the mobile device's processor, wherein after thewireless data communication session is established between the taximeterand the mobile device, the method includes the taximeter wirelesslytransferring the trip data to the mobile device, and wherein the mobiledevice's output device presents a route of the taxi using the trip data.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter's memory has stored therein tolldata indicative of associated entry and exit areas for one or moretolled areas and a respective one or more toll amounts, wherein themethod includes the taximeter's processor automatically detecting, usingthe recorded geographical coordinates, whether the taxi has passedthrough one of the associated entry and exit areas of one of the one ormore tolled areas, wherein in response to the detection, the taximeter'sprocessor modifies the fare due to include the respective toll amount.

In certain embodiments, the method includes:

-   -   the taximeter's processor determining a duration between        time-stamps of the respective geographical coordinates        associated with the detected entry and exit areas;    -   the taximeter's processor comparing the duration against one or        more temporal thresholds stored in the taximeter's memory; and    -   the taximeter's processor modifying the fare due according to        the associated toll amount in the event that the duration        satisfies the one or more temporal thresholds.

In certain embodiments, each temporal threshold is a temporal range,wherein in response to the taximeter's processor determining that theduration is within the temporal range, the method includes thetaximeter's processor modifying the fare due to include the associatedtoll amount.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device's memory has stored therein anauthorisation data object, wherein the authorisation data object isgenerated by a server processing system and transferred to the mobiledevice, wherein after the wireless data communication session isestablished the method includes:

-   -   the taximeter receiving the authorisation data object from the        mobile device authorising payment of the fare due, wherein the        authorisation data object is indicative with an account        associated with the passenger and maintained by the server        processing system; and    -   the taximeter transfers the authorisation data object to the        server processing system for authorising the passenger's account        to be debited according to the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the authorisation data object is indicative ofan expiration deadline, wherein the method includes:

-   -   the taximeter's processor performing a validation of the        authorisation data object based on the expiration deadline to        determine if the authorisation data object has expired; and    -   the taximeter's processor transferring data to the mobile device        indicating that the authorisation data object has expired in the        event of the authorisation data object is determined to have        expired.

In a sixth aspect there is provided a taximeter mounted within the taxiincluding a processor in communication with a transceiver, ageographical positioning unit and a memory having stored therein:executable instructions which configure the processor to calculate afare due by a passenger; toll data indicative of associated entry andexit areas for one or more tolled areas; and a respective one or moretoll amounts, and one or more temporal thresholds for the associatedentry and exist areas;

-   -   wherein:    -   the taximeter's processor is operable to obtain a plurality of        geographical coordinates from the geographical positioning unit        during a trip for the passenger in the taxi, wherein the        geographical coordinates are time-stamped;    -   the taximeter's processor is operable to automatically detect,        using the obtained geographical coordinates, whether the taxi        has passed through one of the associated entry and exit areas of        one of the one or more tolled areas;    -   the taximeter's processor is operable to determine a duration        between time-stamps of the respective geographical coordinates        associated with the detected entry and exit areas;    -   the taximeter's processor is operable to compare the duration        against one or more temporal thresholds associated with the        detected entry and exit areas; and    -   the taximeter's processor is operable to modify the fare due        according to the associated toll amount in the event that the        duration satisfies the one or more temporal thresholds.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter is configured to:

-   -   wirelessly broadcast, via the taximeter's transceiver, an        advertisement message indicating that the taximeter is available        for establishing a wireless data communication session; and    -   facilitate in establishing a wireless data communication session        with a mobile device associated with a passenger in order to        receive authorisation for electronic payment of the fare due        from the mobile device operated by the passenger.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter is configured to record in memorytrip data indicative of the geographical coordinates of a route for thepassenger.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter's processor is operable to compareone of the geographical coordinates obtained from the geographicalpositioning unit against a most recently recorded geographicalcoordinate stored in the taximeter's memory, wherein in the event thatgeographical coordinates are substantially similar, the taximeterprocessor is operable to not record the obtained geographical coordinatein the taximeter's memory.

In certain embodiments, after the wireless data communication session isestablished between the taximeter and the mobile device, the taximeteris operable to wirelessly transfer trip data indicative of a route ofthe trip to the mobile device for presentation to the passenger.

In certain embodiments, each temporal threshold is a temporal range,wherein in response to the taximeter's processor determining that theduration is within the temporal range, the taximeter's processor isoperable to modify the fare due to include the associated toll amount.

In certain embodiments, after the wireless data communication session isestablished the taximeter is operable to receive the authorisation dataobject from the mobile device authorising payment of the fare due,wherein the authorisation data object is indicative of an accountassociated with the passenger and maintained by the server processingsystem, wherein the taximeter is operable to transfer the authorisationdata object to the server processing system for authorising thepassenger's account to be debited according to the fare due.

In certain embodiments, the authorisation data object is indicative ofan expiration deadline, wherein the taximeter's processor is operable toperform a validation of the authorisation data object based on theexpiration deadline to determine if the authorisation data object hasexpired, and in the event of the authorisation data object has expired,to transfer data to the mobile device indicating that the authorisationdata object has expired.

In certain embodiments, the taximeter receives encoder pulses from anencoder associated with tyres of the taxi, wherein the processor of thetaximeter is configured to:

-   -   determine a first distance travelled by the taxi using the        geographical coordinates;    -   determine a second distance travelled using the pulses received        from the encoder; and    -   determine, based on a discrepancy between the first distance and        the second distance, whether a discrepancy threshold stored in        memory has been exceeded, wherein in response to a positive        determination, the processor determines that the taximeter        requires reconfiguration.

Other aspects and embodiments will be appreciated throughout thedetailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Example embodiments should become apparent from the followingdescription, which is given by way of example only, of at least onepreferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with theaccompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processingsystem that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particularembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network infrastructure that can beutilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example taximeter for use in a taxi; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system for use with the taximeter of FIG.3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following modes, given by way of example only, are described inorder to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of apreferred embodiment or embodiments.

In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an exampleembodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like partsthroughout the figures.

A particular embodiment of the present invention can be realised using aprocessing system, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. Inparticular, the processing system 100 generally includes at least oneprocessor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108,coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110. In certainembodiments, input device 106 and output device 108 could be the samedevice. An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling theprocessing system 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for exampleinterface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card. At least one storagedevice 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided.The memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatileor non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices,etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct processingdevice, for example to handle different functions within the processingsystem 100.

Input device 106 receives input data 118 and can include, for example, akeyboard, a pointer device such as a pen-like device or a mouse, audioreceiving device for voice controlled activation such as a microphone,data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, dataacquisition card, etc. Input data 118 could come from different sources,for example keyboard instructions in conjunction with data received viaa network. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 andcan include, for example, a display device or monitor in which caseoutput data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 isprinted, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor,a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless networkadaptor, etc. Output data 120 could be distinct and derived fromdifferent output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor inconjunction with data transmitted to a network. A user could view dataoutput, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, amonitor or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form ofdata or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatilememory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

In use, the processing system 100 is adapted to allow data orinformation to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wirelesscommunication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processingunit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose.The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via inputdevice 106 and can display processed results or other output to a userby utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/oroutput device 108 can be provided. It should be appreciated that theprocessing system 100 may be any form of terminal, server, specialisedhardware, or the like.

The processing system 100 may be a part of a networked communicationssystem 200, as shown in FIG. 2. Processing system 100 could connect tonetwork 202, for example the Internet or a WAN. Input data 118 andoutput data 120 could be communicated to other devices via network 202.Other terminals, for example, thin client 204, further processingsystems 206 and 208, notebook computer 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA214, pen-based computer 216, server 218, etc., can be connected tonetwork 202. A large variety of other types of terminals orconfigurations could be utilised. The transfer of information and/ordata over network 202 can be achieved using wired communications means220 or wireless communications means 222. Server 218 can facilitate thetransfer of data between network 202 and one or more databases 224.Server 218 and one or more databases 224 provide an example of aninformation source.

Other networks may communicate with network 202. For example,telecommunications network 230 could facilitate the transfer of databetween network 202 and mobile or cellular telephone 232 or a PDA-typedevice 234, by utilising wireless communication means 236 andreceiving/transmitting station 238. Satellite communications network 240could communicate with satellite signal receiver 242 which receives datasignals from satellite 244 which in turn is in remote communication withsatellite signal transmitter 246. Terminals, for example furtherprocessing system 248, notebook computer 250 or satellite telephone 252,can thereby communicate with network 202. A local network 260, which forexample may be a private network, LAN, etc., may also be connected tonetwork 202. For example, network 202 could be connected with Ethernet262 which connects terminals 264, server 266 which controls the transferof data to and/or from database 268, and printer 270. Various othertypes of networks could be utilised.

The processing system 100 is adapted to communicate with otherterminals, for example further processing systems 206, 208, by sendingand receiving data, 118, 120, to and from the network 202, therebyfacilitating possible communication with other components of thenetworked communications system 200.

Thus, for example, the networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of, or beconnected to, the Internet, in which case, the terminals 206, 212, 218,for example, may be web servers, Internet terminals or the like. Thenetworks 202, 230, 240, 260 may be or form part of other communicationnetworks, such as LAN, WAN, ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc.,networks, or mobile telephone networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, etc.,networks, and may be wholly or partially wired, including for exampleoptical fibre, or wireless networks, depending on a particularimplementation.

Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a taximeter system 300 including ataximeter 301. The taximeter 301 is configured for installation in thetaxi. The taximeter 301 includes a processing system which issubstantially based upon processing system 100 discussed in relation toFIG. 1.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 3, the taximeter 301 includes acentral processor 302 coupled to a memory 304 via a bus 390. The centralprocessor 302 also includes a number of peripheral devices which are indata communication with to the central processor 302 via the bus 399.

In particular, the peripheral devices that are in communication with theprocessor 302 include an input control unit 318, one or morecommunication devices 316 (i.e. transceiver) which can be coupled to aSIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card 314, an accelerometer 324,an optical sensor 326, a touch screen display 328, an NFC (Near FieldCommunication) reader 330, a secure crypto-processor 334, a clock 336, ageographical positioning unit 337 (utilising the GPS system, the GLONASSunit, the Galileo system, the IRNSS system, and/or the Beidou NavigationSatellite System) and an interface 338. These peripheral devices of thedevice 301 are integrated within a housing of the taximeter 301 and arethus non-removable peripheral devices.

The taximeter system 300 also includes a number of peripheral deviceswhich are located external to the housing of the taximeter 301. Inparticular, the taximeter system 300 includes a geographical positioningantenna 344 coupled to the geographical positioning unit 337, one ormore passenger detection sensors 346, a printer 348, a PIN pad 350, anencoder 352 for measuring the rotation of one or more of the wheels ofthe taxi, one or more cameras 353 located external to and mounted uponthe taxi, and an video camera 332 located internally within the taxi. Itwill be appreciated that some of these devices that are locatedexternally of the housing may communicate wirelessly with the processor302 via the communication device 320 or via a wired communicationmedium.

A calibration device 342 can be releasably coupled to the taximeter 301via the interface 338 in order to calibrate the taximeter 301 for thespecific taxi. Additionally, an additional PIN pad device 340 can bereleasably coupled to the taximeter 301 via the USB interface.Optionally, a storage device 339 can be releasably coupled to the device301.

The memory 304 of the taximeter 301 includes an application store 308having stored therein a number of executable applications which can beexecuted by the processor 302 of the taximeter 301. In particular, theapplication store 308 includes a configuration application 309, paymentapplication 310, a meter application 312, a reporting application 314, anews application 316 and an operating system 317. The memory 304 alsoincludes a data store 306 which stores therein various data for thetaximeter 301. In particular, the data store 306 includes fare data 354,toll data 356, payment data 358, operational data 360, driver data 362,passenger detection data 364, trip data 366, key data 368, andconfiguration data 370.

The taximeter system 300 can be part of a networked system such as thatdepicted in FIG. 2. In particular, referring to FIG. 4 there is shown acomputer network system 400 including the taximeter system 300. Thetaximeter system 300 is in data communication with a server processingsystem 410. The communication between the system 300 and the serverprocessing system 410 is generally performed wirelessly using one ormore networks wherein the wireless communication device 320 is utilisedto enable the wireless communication.

The taximeter system 300 is also in communication with a paymentprocessing system 470 to process financial payment data for completingthe payment transaction. Generally, the taximeter system 300 wirelesslycommunicates with the payment processing system 470 using the wirelesscommunication device 320.

The taximeter system 300 can also be in communication with a mobilecommunication device 450 associated with the passenger of the taxi. Themobile communication device is preferably provided in the form of asmartphone or tablet processing system. The mobile communication deviceincludes a processor 451, a memory 452, an input device 453, an outputdevice 454, and a transceiver 455 coupled together by a bus 456.

In one particular form, the mobile communication device 450 executes amobile computer application 460 stored in memory 452 in order tocommunicate with the taximeter system 300.

Generally, communication between the taximeter system 300 and the mobilecommunication device 460 is performed wirelessly using the wirelesscommunication device(s). Preferably, the data communication is performedusing Bluetooth protocol. In one form, the Bluetooth protocol can beBluetooth Low Energy protocol, however other earlier Bluetooth protocols(i.e. versions 1, 2 or 3) can also be utilised. However, in othervariations, the wireless communication device 320 of the taximetersystem 300 may be a wireless router which establishes a wireless hotspotusing Wi-Fi within the taxi, wherein the mobile communication device 450can communicate with the system 300 using the wireless hotspot. Themobile communication device 450 can also be in data communication withthe server processing system 410 via the computer application 460.

The server processing system 410 includes a data processing system 420for collecting, transferring and processing data received from thetaximeter system 300 as well as other devices of the network 400, anapplication server 430 to enable communication with the computerapplication 460 executed by the mobile communication device 460, and aweb server 440. The web server 440 enables communication between theserver processing system 410 and one or more computer terminals 480 suchas a processing system 100, wherein the computer terminals 480interprets a web-browser application 490 to display information to auser of the computer terminal 480 and to enable communication with theserver processing system 410. It will be appreciated that each terminaldevice 480 is a device that can access a web-page via a wide areanetwork such as the Internet.

The taximeter 301 and taximeter system 300 are configured to receiveelectrical power from the battery of the taxi.

In use, once the taximeter system 300 is operational by receivingelectrical power from the taxi, the taximeter 301 performs a boot-upprocess wherein the operating system 317 boots up. Once the boot-upprocess has been completed, the processor 302 controls via the touchscreen display 328 to display a user interface of the operating system317. The taxi driver may be presented with a login interface wherein thetaxi driver enters identification data, such as a username and password,to identify the taxi driver. Alternatively, the taxi driver may haveassociated therewith an NFC enabled device such as a smart card enableddevice which can be located by the driver within a reading proximity ofthe taximeter 301 in order to obtain an identity of the taxi driver. Theoperating system 317 may authenticate the taxi driver based on localdriver data 362 stored in the data store 306 and/or transfer anauthentication request to the server processing system 410 forauthenticating the taxi driver, wherein a message may be transferredback to the taximeter 301 from the server processing system 410indicative of the outcome of the authentication such that access to thetaximeter 301 is granted or denied.

When a passenger enters the taxi, the taxi driver can interact with themeter application 312 which is executing by the processor 302 to beginrecording the fare. The interaction with the meter application 312 canbe via the touch screen interface 328. The tactile input controls 318may alternatively be used by the taxi driver in order to ease theselection process for the taxi driver. Upon interaction, the processor302 executing the meter application 312 utilises the fare data 354stored in the data store 306 to calculate the fare for the trip in realtime. Generally, the processor 102 executing the meter application 312uses a combination of rules to determine the fare due during the trip.The fare data 354 includes fare tables which can be updated in thedevice 301. Generally, the fare that is calculated by processor 102executing the meter application 312 based on the distance travelled andthe time of the trip. The distance travelled is calculated using signalsreceived from the encoder 352 which indicates rotations of the wheels ofthe taxi. Other factors may also be utilised for calculating the fare.For example, the time or day (i.e. weekday or weekend) which the tripcommences may result in a higher or lower fare being applicable.Additionally, as will be discussed in more detail below, any tolls thatmay be incurred during the trip may also be added to the due amount. Theprocessor 302 executing the meter application 312 presents a meterapplication interface via the touch screen interface during the tripsuch that the passenger can be aware of the accruing amount due.

The processor 302 executing the meter application 312 also utilises thetoll data 356 to automatically determine tolls that are incurred duringthe trip. The toll data 356 defines a plurality of associated entry andexit areas for tolled areas of a road network. The entry and exist areasare geographical areas which define when the taxi has entered or exitedupon a road which an associated toll. During the trip, data indicativeof the time-stamped data geographical coordinates are recorded in thememory 304 periodically by the processor 302 using the geographicalpositioning unit 337 and geographical positioning antenna 344 and storedin the data store 306 as trip data 366, wherein the trip data 366 storedis associated with an identity for the specific trip for the passenger.The clock 336 may be used for time-stamping geographical coordinates ifrequired, however it is also possible that the geographical coordinatesprovided to the processor are already time-stamped. Furthermore, theprocessor 302 can record in memory 304 only a change in geographicalcoordinates between the most recently obtained geographical coordinateand the most recently recorded geographical coordinate in order toincrease the storage capabilities of the memory 304 of the taximeter301. The processor 302 executing the meter application 312 continuouslycompares the latest recorded geographical coordinate against one or moreof the entry and/or exist areas defined in the toll data 356. In theevent the taxi is identified as having passed through an entry area of atolled area, the processor 302 logs a tolled entry event in the tripdata 366 and the time which this entry occurred. The processor executingthe meter application 312 then continues to continuously compare aselection of the latest recorded geographical coordinates during thetrip against the defined entry and exit areas until there is a detectionof the taxi having passed through an exit area of a tolled area. Theexit area detected and the time that the taxi passed through the exitarea are recorded in the trip data 366. The processor 302 executing themeter application 312 then attempts to match the detected exit area withthe previously detected entry area based on the associated entry andexit areas defined in the toll data 356. Each associated entry and existareas have one or more associated temporal thresholds such as a temporalrange which are stored in memory 304 and defines a lower and upper limitas to how long it should take for the taxi to pass between the areas.The processor 302 executing the meter application 312 compares thetemporal duration between the taxi passing between the entry and exitareas against the temporal range. In the event that the duration betweenthe detections falls outside the temporal range, the processor 302executing the meter application 312 dismisses the toll detection.However, in the event that the duration between the detections fallswithin the temporal range, the processor 302 executing the meterapplication 312 retrieves from the toll data 356 a toll amountassociated with the detected entry and exit areas which is then combinedwith the accruing amount due for the trip and displayed upon the touchscreen display 328. As such, the touch screen display 328 displays inreal time the amount accrued from the toll incurred rather than the taxidriver requiring to include this amount with the accrued amount at theend of the trip. The processor 302 executing the meter application 312may also use the time stamped geographical coordinates to determine adirection which the taxi is travelling to determine whether a tollshould be incurred by the passenger (i.e. directional dependent tolls).

In one form, the taximeter's processor 302 compares at least some of thegeographical coordinates obtained from the geographical positioning unit337 against a most recently recorded geographical coordinate stored inthe taximeter's memory. In the event that geographical coordinates aresubstantially similar, the taximeter processor 302 does not record theobtained geographical coordinate in taximeter's memory 304. Thisconfiguration is advantageous in order to increase storage capabilitiesof the memory 304 such that the same or substantially similargeographical coordinate is not recorded in memory a plurality of timesin the instance when the taxi is substantially stationary.

At the end of the trip, the taxi driver can input via the tactile inputcontrols 318 or the touch screen display 328 that the trip has ended. Inresponse, the processor 302 executing the meter application 312 stopsthe calculation of the accruing amount due thereby defining a final dueamount. A payment application 310 is then executed by the processor orvia input by the taxi driver. The payment application 310 displays aninterface indicating the final due calculated by the meter application312 a number of options for payment by the passenger.

In particular, the passenger may wish to utilise the PIN pad device340,350 to pay the final amount due. In particular, a financialinstrument such as a card including a magnetic stripe or a smart cardcan be utilised to perform the financial transaction. An input means ofthe PIN pad device 350 may be utilised to provide a personalidentification number to verify the financial transaction although thismay not be necessary depending upon the type of transaction. In theevent that the taxi is located in an area where the communication device320 is able to wirelessly communicate with the payment processing system470, encrypted data is then transferred from the PIN pad device 350 tothe secure crypto-processor 334 to process the encrypted financialtransaction data which is wirelessly transferred by the communicationdevice 320 to the payment processing system 470 (see FIG. 4, commonlyreferred to as a “switch”). A message is then received by the taximeter301 via the communication device 320 indicating whether the financialtransaction was successfully processed. A payment record that isrecorded by the processor 302 as payment data 358 is then stored in thedata store 306 indicative of the financial payment processed, wherein adriver identity is recorded in association with the payment record toidentify the driver associated with the transaction. However, ininstances where the taxi is located in areas where the communicationdevice 320 is unable to wirelessly communicate with the paymentprocessing system 470, the secure crypto-processor 334 stores theencrypted financial transaction data which can be processed at a latertime/date when communication with the payment processing system 470 isavailable. The encrypted financial transaction data may be associatedwith an expiration date wherein the financial transaction data must beprocessed prior to the expiration date.

Another payment option includes allowing the passenger to complete thefinancial transaction using a NFC enabled device such as a NFC enabledpayment card or an NFC enabled mobile communication device 450. Inparticular, the passenger places the NFC enabled device within a definedproximity of the NFC reader wherein the NFC reader and the NFCtransmitter couple such that data is wirelessly transferred from the NFCenabled device to the taximeter 301 for processing by the securecrypto-processor 334.

In another option, the passenger may wish to use a financial paymenttool which utilises visual indicia, such as a bar code or the like. Forexample, a printed coupon/voucher bearing visual indicia may bepresented or visual indicia may be displayed upon the passenger's mobilecommunication device 450. The visual indicia can be scanned by theoptical sensor 326 and the taximeter 310 processes the captured visualindicia to facilitate the financial transaction. For example, anidentifier may be determined based upon scanned visual indicia by theprocessor 302 and the identifier is then transferred the paymentprocessing system 470 if available. If communication with the paymentprocessing system 470 is unavailable, the identifier is stored in memoryfor later processing.

In another option, the passenger may complete the financial transactionusing their mobile communication device 450, wherein the processorexecutes a mobile computer application 460 which communicates with theapplication server 430 of the server processing system to facilitate thepayment. In particular, the passenger may have registered an accountwith the application server 430. The passenger can launch theapplication 460 wherein authorisation to pay the amount due and anidentity of the taxi, device 301 or trip is transferred to the serverapplication. The passenger can input at least some of these details orthe device 301 may wirelessly transfer this data to the application 460via the communication device 320 such as via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Whenthe application server 430 receives the data from the application 460,the application server 430 facilitates the payment of the amount due. Inone form, the passenger may have credit associated with the registeredaccount, wherein the application server 430 facilitates the debiting ofthe credit associated with the passenger. Alternatively, the passengermay have credit card or direct debit data stored in association with theregistered account, wherein the application server 430 facilitates theprocessing of the amount due in combination with the payment processingsystem 470 using these stored details. In some embodiments, thepassenger may require to provide identification data via the mobilecommunication device 450 such as a username and/or password in order toverify their identity to the application server 430 prior tofacilitating the financial transaction. A message is sent from thepayment processing system 470 to the application server 430 indicativeof whether the transaction was successful. The message is thentransferred to the taximeter 301 via the data processing system 420using the identity of the taxi or the device 301 in order to display viathe touch screen display the result of the transaction. The applicationserver 430 also transfers an indication of the result of the transactionto the application 460 of the mobile communication device 450.

In another option, the passenger may utilise the application 460 of themobile communication device 450 to establish a wireless datacommunication session with the device 301 of the taxi, wherein thedevice 301 receives payment authorisation data from the mobilecommunication device operated by the passenger. As discussed above, thepassenger has an account registered with the application server 430. Theapplication 460 receives one or more authorisation data objects from theapplication server 430. Each authorisation data object is effectively avirtual payment instrument which provides the passenger authorisation todebit the passenger's account maintained by the server processingsystem. When the passenger is required to pay a fare, one of theauthorisation data objects can be transferred from the mobilecommunication device 450 to the taximeter 301, whereby the taximeter 301can arrange for the passenger's account to be debited the fare based onthe authorisation data object.

Each authorisation data object is indicative of the passenger's accountwith the server processing system 410. Additionally, each authorisationdata object can be indicative of an expiration deadline. Eachauthorisation data object is preferably encrypted by the serverprocessing system 410. The server processing system 410 maintains, inthe server data store 415, data indicative of the authorisation dataobjects issued to each passenger.

The application 460 may automatically receive one or more authorisationdata objects from application server 430 when the application 460 islaunched by the passenger and the application 460 is able to establish adata communication connection with the application server 430. It willbe appreciated that the passenger may require to be identified (username and password, and/or biometric). Alternatively, the passenger caninteract with the application 460 to send a request to receive one ormore authorisation data objects. The authorisation data objects arestored in the memory 452 of the mobile communication device 450. Theprocessor 451 executing the application 460 can store the authorisationdata objects in a queue data structure, wherein the oldest authorisationdata object is stored at the start of the queue (i.e. First In First Outdata structure). When an authorisation data object is to be used, theoldest authorisation data object is transferred to the taximeter 301 toauthorise the payment.

When the passenger approves payment of the fare due via the application460 which is executing by the processor 451, an authorisation dataobject is retrieved by the processor 451 from the memory 452 of themobile communication device 450 and transferred to the taximeter 301.The used authorisation data object is then purged from authorisationdata object queue. Preferably, the transferred authorisation data objectis encrypted. The taximeter 301 then decrypts the authorisation dataobject and performs a temporal validation process to determine whetherthe authorisation data object is temporally valid. In particular, thetaximeter 301 compares the expiration deadline indicated by theauthorisation data object against the current time indicated by theclock 336. In the event that the authorisation data object has expired,the taximeter 301 transfers an expiration message to the mobilecommunication device 450 requesting a further authorisation data objectto be provided to the device which is temporally valid.

Once a temporally valid authorisation data object has been identified bythe taximeter 301, the taximeter 301 may forward the authorisation dataobject to the server processing system 410 for processing, such that thepassenger's account is debited accordingly. The server processing system410 updates the server data store 415 to record that one of theauthorisation data objects issued to the passenger has been used. Atransaction message may be received from the server processing system410 by the taximeter indicating whether the transaction has beensuccessfully completed, wherein the taximeter 301 presents thetransaction message via the display 328.

In particular situations, the taximeter 301 may not be able to establisha data communication connection with the server processing system 410(i.e. due to poor reception). Alternatively, the taximeter 301 may beconfigured to simply request processing of the authorisation data objectat a later time when a secure data connection can be established betweenthe taximeter 301 and the server processing system 410. In theseinstances, the processor 302 of the taximeter 301 stores theauthorisation data object in memory 306 such that the authorisation dataobject can be processed at a later time. In these situations, thetransaction is presumed to be valid (upon successful analysis of thedeadline of the authorisation data object), and a successful paymentindication is presented by the taximeter 301 via the display 328.

In this example where the passenger's mobile communication device 450establishes a wireless data communication session with the taximeter301, it is important that the mobile communication device 450establishes the wireless data communication session with the correcttaximeter 301, otherwise a different passenger's fare could be paid bythe respective passenger. This problem is particularly an issue at areassuch as taxi ranks and areas where customers continuously drop offpassengers (i.e. airports) due to the number of taximeters within awireless proximity of the mobile communication device 450. To overcomethis problem, the processor 451 of the mobile device 450 filters a listof wireless devices according to a taxi network identifier and thendiscriminates between a list of the remaining wireless devices based atleast upon a received signal strength indicator for each wirelessdevice.

In particular, each advertising message received by the mobile device450 includes a device identifier, such as a UUID, which can beindicative of the taxi network identifier. The mobile device 450 hasstored in memory the taxi network identifier, wherein each wirelessdevice in the list is analysed to determine if it includes the taxinetwork identifier. Advertising messages for wireless devices which arenot indicative of the taxi network identifier are removed from the list.

The mobile device 450 then transfers a request to each remainingwireless device to request one or more attributes. One of the attributesrequested can be an operating status code which is indicative of astatus of the wireless device 301. Examples of status codes are providedbelow:

Status Code Status FP Fare paid MR Meter running NH Not for hire DADevice attached PN Pay Now VA Vacant

The status code can be used by the processor 451 of the mobile device450 executing the application to further filter the list. In particular,the application 450 deletes from the list responses from devices whichdo not have a status code indicative of a meter running (MR) or apayment being due (PN).

Once the filtering process has been performed by the application 460which is being executed by the processor 451, the list may include onlya single wireless device in the list of wireless devices. In this case,a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, can beestablished automatically between the mobile communication device 450and the wireless device which is the taximeter 301. Alternatively, thepassenger may be required to confirm the establishment of the connectionvia the application 450 using the input device of the mobile device 450.Once the connection has been established, details of the trip can betransferred from the taximeter 301 to the application 450 forpresentation to the passenger. The passenger can then select to pay thefare due as discussed above, wherein an authorisation data object istransferred to the taximeter 301 for authorising payment as discussedabove.

In certain circumstances where multiple taxis are be located within thewireless proximity (i.e at a drop-off point of an airport), the filteredlist of responding devices may still include more than one potentialdevice which could be the taximeter 301. In these circumstances, theprocessor 451 executing the application 460 determines a received signalstrength indicator for each wireless device. The processor executing theapplication then discriminates between the plurality wireless devicesbased upon the received signal strength indicators to determine one ofthe wireless devices as the taximeter 301. For example, each receivedsignal strength indicator can be compared to received signal strengthindicator thresholds stored in memory 452. Alternatively, a score may becalculated by the processor 451 of the mobile device 450 using thedetermined received signal strength indicator for each wireless devicein the filtered list. The processor 451 executing the application 460then facilitates in establishing the wireless data communication sessionwith the wireless device determined as the taximeter 301 in order toenable the passenger to authorise payment of the fare due via the mobiledevice 450.

The processor 451 of the mobile device 450 executing the application 460can also determine a transmitting power level for each wireless devicein aiding in the discrimination process. For example, the transmittingpower level may be stored in memory 452 of the mobile device 450,wherein the processor 451 retrieves the transmitting power level frommemory 452. Alternatively, the mobile device 450 may transfer a requestto each wireless device requesting the respective transmitting powerlevel, wherein each wireless device responds transferring dataindicative of the transmitting power level to the mobile device 450. Inone form, the mobile device 450 executing the application 460 determinesa calibrated transmitting power level for each wireless device in aidingin the discrimination process. For example, the response may include acalibrated transmitting power level or a calibration factor which can beused by the processor 451 of the mobile device 450 to determine thecalibrated transmitting power level. Due to particular taximeters andthe associated antennas being installed in taxis in various locations,certain taximeters will be more effective in transmitting wireless datathan others and thus the received signal strength and the transmittingpower level may need to be adjusted to accurately discriminate amongstthe plurality of wireless devices to determine the taximeter 301. Toaddress this issue, the taximeter 301 has stored in memory dataindicative of the calibration factor to adjust the reported transmittingpower level of the taximeter 301, or alternatively the taximeter 301 canhave stored in memory 304 the reportable calibrated transmitting powerlevel. The processor 451 of the mobile device 450 can then use thereported calibrated transmitting power level and the received signalstrength indicator for each wireless device (such as comparisons to oneor more thresholds) to identify which wireless device is the taximeter301.

Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device's processor 451 logs inthe mobile device's memory 452 data indicative of advertisement messagesreceived from the plurality of wireless devices and a time which atleast some of the advertisement messages were received by the mobiledevice 450. The processor 451 of the mobile device 450 can determine aperiod of time which each wireless device has been broadcasting to themobile device 450 and use these periods of time to determine whichwireless device is likely to be the taximeter 301. For example, for alist of two wireless devices, the processor 451 of the mobile device 450may identify that one wireless device has only been broadcasting for oneminute whereas the other wireless device has been broadcasting for atleast five minutes. Based on this comparison, the wireless device whichhas been broadcasting for five minutes is identified as being morelikely to be the taximeter 301 for the passenger due to advertisementmessages being received throughout the trip.

The processor 451 executing the application 460 may apply one or morescoring rules which are stored in memory 452 to each wireless device inthe filtered device list to determine a weighted score for each device.The weighted score for each device is then used by the processor 451 toorder the filtered device list, wherein the device with the highest (ormost favourable) weighted score is considered by the processor 451 themost likely to be taximeter 301 associated with the passenger's taxi.

An example list of scoring rules with an associated weighted score areprovided below.

Scoring Rule Score The mobile communication device has 10 receivedadvertising messages from with the respective wireless device over athreshold period of time (i.e. 5 mins) Highest strength signal 5 Statusis PN (pay now) 4

Preferably, using the scoring rules, the processor 451 of the mobiledevice 450 is able to identify the wireless device as the taximeter 301and autonomously facilitate in establishing a secure wireless datacommunication session with the taximeter. As discussed above, thewireless data communication session may be established using Bluetoothprotocol. Authorisation of the payment can then be performed asdiscussed above in relation to the transfer of an authorisation dataobject to the device 301.

Alternatively, the processor 450 executing the application 460 presentsthe ranked device list such that the device with the highest weightedscore is graphically larger on the application interface than the otherdevice(s) in the ranked filtered device list. For example, a largerconfirmation button may be presented in relation to the device with thehighest weighted score, thereby indicating that the respective device isconsidered the most likely to be taximeter 301. Once input has beenreceived from the passenger indicating which device in the rankedfiltered device list is taximeter 301, the wireless data communicationsession is established between the taximeter 301 and mobilecommunication device 450. Authorisation of the payment can then beperformed as discussed above in relation to the transfer of anauthorisation data object to the device 301.

Upon completion of the financial transaction a receipt is provided tothe passenger. In one form, a physical receipt is printed using theprinter 348. The printed receipt may include a trip identifier which canbe used by the passenger using a terminal 480 to retrieve an electronicreceipt including additional information about the trip. In particular,the passenger can access a passenger portal via a web browser 490wherein the passenger can input the trip identifier which is transferredto the web-server 440. The web-server 440 then queries the server datastore 415 to retrieve trip data 366 and associated payment data 358 forthe trip identified by the trip identifier. A visual representation ofthe trip data 366 may be generated by the server processing system 410in the form of a map indicative of the start point of the trip, the endpoint of the trip and the route, wherein the map is presented as part ofthe electronic receipt. The amount charged for the trip is alsoretrieved as well as an indication of tolls incurred and optionally therates that were applied, wherein this additional information ispresented as part of the electronic receipt.

In another form, the electronic receipt can be retrieved via the mobilecommunication device 450 if payment was made via the application 460. Inparticular, upon payment, a receipt section of the application 460 canbe selected by the passenger, wherein a list of receipts for paid tripsis displayed. The passenger can select one of the trips via theapplication 460 wherein a receipt request indicative of the identity ofthe trip is transferred by the processor 451 via the transceiver to theapplication server 430. Similarly to the above situation, additionalinformation associated with the trip is retrieved from the server datastore 415 and transferred back to the mobile communication device 450for display within the interface of the application 460. Alternatively,when payment of a trip is completed, the electronic receipt istransferred for storage by the mobile communication device 450 such thata receipt request does not need to be transferred to the serverprocessing system 410 in the future.

In another embodiment, the application 460 can enable a user to reviewthe route taken by the taxi driver prior to completing the financialtransaction. In one form, the taxi driver can interact with the device301 via the touch screen display 328 or controls 318 to issue a routereview request in order to present the trip data 366, or arepresentation thereof, via the touch screen display 328. In particular,a map may be generated or requested by the processor 301 from a thirdparty processing system indicative of the route indicated by the trip.In another form, the route review request is transferred from the mobilecommunication device 450 associated with passenger to the serverprocessing system 410 to retrieve the trip data 366 associated with thetrip. Alternatively, the mobile communication device 450 may communicatewith the device 301 to retrieve the trip data 366. A map can thenpresented via the application 460 to enable the passenger to review theroute to ensure that the taxi driver has taken the appropriate route. Itwill be appreciated that the passenger can view the route in real timevia the application 460 during the trip. Additionally, the fare beingcalculated by the meter application 312 of the taximeter can bepresented by the application 460 in real time via wireless communicationbetween the mobile device 450 and the taximeter 301.

In the event of a visually impaired passenger, audio output may beprovided by the taximeter 301. In particular, the taximeter 301 includesa speaker 319 to emit audio output indicative of the amount due for thefare and optionally components of the fare (tolls, fare rates, etc).Additionally, the speaker 319 may emit audio output indicative of theroute taken based upon the trip data 366. If the passenger utilises themobile communication device 450, audio output may be emitted from themobile communication device 450 under control from the application 460indicating the fare due and/or the route taken for the trip.

Periodically, the taximeter 301 can transfer the trip data recorded inmemory 304 to the server processing system 410 for storage. Thistransfer can be performed wirelessly. Upon successful transfer, thetaximeter 301 can purge the trip data from memory 304 in order toprovide additional storage space for further routes.

The accelerometer 324 of the device 301 can be used to detect the properacceleration experienced by the taximeter 301 located within the taxi.The proper acceleration may be sensed periodically and recordedperiodically by the taximeter 301 or optionally only instances of theproper acceleration exceeding a proper acceleration threshold arerecorded as part of the operational data 360. The proper accelerationcan be used by the server processing system 410 to determine unusualdriving events such as a crash or erratic driving by the taxi driver.This data can be accessed by an owner of the taxi, or another authorisedoperator operating a computer terminal 480 which is in communicationwith the web-server 440 of the server processing system 410.

Additionally, the processor 302 of the taximeter 301 can use the properacceleration sensed by the accelerometer 324 to control operation of theone or more external cameras 353 and also the storage of image/videodata captured by the external cameras 353. In particular, in the eventof an accident which the taxi is involved in, image/video data can bestored in memory of the taximeter 301 such that this data can be laterused for determining fault of an accident. The rate of capture ofimage/video data can be increased by the processor 302 in response todetecting that the proper acceleration has exceeded a thresholdindicative of an accident.

The processor 302 of the taximeter 301 is operable to perform acalibration check process using the geographical locations obtained bythe geographical positioning unit and the encoder signals received fromthe encoder are accurate. The calibration check process can be scheduledto be performed by the taximeter or it can be performed on demand byreceiving a calibration request from the server processing system. Inparticular, the taximeter 301 has stored in memory 304 an encodercalibration value indicative of the distance travelled per pulsereceived from the encoder. The encoder calibration value is used by theprocessor 302 of the taximeter 301 to calculate a distance travelledusing the encoder signals received, wherein an encoder dependentdistance in stored in memory 304 of the taximeter. The processor 302also uses the geographical coordinates to determine the distancetravelled, wherein a geographical positioning unit dependent distance isstored in memory 304 of the taximeter. The processor 302 then determinesthe discrepancy between the distances for a period of time. Theprocessor 302 then determines whether the discrepancy equals or exceedsa discrepancy threshold set in memory of the taximeter, wherein inresponse to a positive outcome the processor 302 determines that therespective taximeter system 300 requires re-calibration. In thisinstance, the processor 302 controls the display to present a messageindicating that the taximeter is due for recalibration. Additionally,recalibration data is transferred by the taximeter 301 to the serverprocessing system indicating that the recalibration of the respectivetaximeter system 300 is required. The taxi can be returned by the driverto a taxi depot for recalibration. The processor 304 can be configuredto compare the distances which are not temporally associated with properacceleration data indicating that the proper acceleration of the taxiexceeded an acceleration threshold in order to provide accuracy whencalculating and comparing the distances. In certain embodiments, theprocessor 302 can be configured to prevent the meter application beingable to operate (i.e. determine a fare due) after determining thatrecalibration is required in order to force the driver to return thetaxi for calibration. In certain embodiments, the processor 302 can beconfigured to prevent the meter application being able to operate aftera temporal threshold stored in memory 304 after the taximeter 301 hasdetermined that recalibration is required.

The taximeter 301 can be configured to perform a self calibrationprocess in order to determine the encoder calibration value which isstored in memory 304. In particular, the processor determines based onthe geographical coordinates a distance travelled and then divides thedistance by the number of encoder pulses received from the encoder overthis period of time to determine the encoder calibration value which isstored in the memory 304. The self calibration process may be a scheduletask which the taximeter 301 performs.

In an alternative arrangement, the server processing system can beconfigured to undertake the calibration check process for each taximetersystem 300 in the taxi fleet. In particular, the geographical coordinatedata, accelerometer data and distance data calculated by the taximeter301 based on the encoder signals are transferred by each taximeter 301to the server processing system. The server processing system thenperforms the same check process described above to determine adiscrepancy between the distance the taxi has travelled based on thegeographical coordinate data, and the distance travelled based on theencoder signals. In the event that the server processing system detectsa discrepancy which exceeds a discrepancy threshold stored in memory ofthe server processing system, the server processing system determinesthat the respective taximeter system 300 requires recalibration. As aresult, the server processing system transfers a request to therespective taximeter 301 indicating that recalibration is required asdiscussed above.

As previously discussed, the geographical positioning unit 337 can beutilised to determine whether a toll should be incurred by thepassenger. The geographical positioning unit 337 is configured toperiodically detect a current location of the taxi whilst the taximeter301 is operational. Time-stamped geographical coordinates are stored aspart of the operational data 360 recorded in the data store 306.Time-stamped geographical coordinates which are stored may also beassociated with a trip identity in the trip data 336 in order toidentify the route which the taxi driver took for the passenger.

The taximeter 301 can be updated through use of a portable configurationdevice 342 which couples to the interface 338. The configuration device342 is generally used by authorised personnel provided with the task ofconfiguring the device 301 and system 300. Generally, the configurationdevice 342 is a USB storage device although other types of portablestorage mediums can be utilised. The configuration device 342 can havestored therein one or more cryptographic keys for authenticationpurposes such that the device 301 is placed in a configuration modethereby allowing the taximeter 301 to be configured or reconfigured.Optionally, the configuration device 342 may include fare data to updatethe taximeter 301. during the configuration process, the authorisedpersonnel can determine, using configuration equipment, theeffectiveness of the antenna of the taximeter for wirelesslytransferring data to a mobile device 450 located within the taxi. Aspreviously discussed, the location of the antenna within the taxi canhave a large impact on the discrimination process for identifying thetaximeter 301. The authorised personnel can then store the calibrationfactor in the memory 304 of the taximeter 301.

The taximeter 301 has stored in the data store 306 one or morecorresponding cryptographic keys 368. Upon coupling the configurationdevice 342 to the interface 338 of the taximeter 301, the operatingsystem 317 performs an authentication process using the cryptographickeys of the configuration device 342 and those stored in the data store306. Upon successful authentication, the operation system 317 launchesthe configuration application 309 wherein a configuration interface isdisplayed upon the touch screen display 328. The authorised personnelcan then interact with the configuration application 309 to update thefare data 354 currently stored in the data store 306 with new fare datawhich may be stored on the calibration device 342 or located remotely ata remote storage device such as server data store 415.

In addition, the configuration application 309 enables the authorisedpersonnel to calibrate the taximeter 301 and taximeter system 300. Forexample, the configuration data 370 stored in the data store may beupdated to indicate the distance travelled between signals received fromthe encoder 352. Once configuration has been completed, the authorisedpersonnel can close the configuration application 309. Alternatively,the authorised personnel can disconnect the configuration device 342from the USB interface 338, wherein the operating system 317 detects thedisconnection and automatically closes the configuration application309.

The device 410 can also be configured remotely via the server processingsystem 410 wherein configuration data or instructions can be transferredfrom the server processing system 410 to the taximeter 301 for updatingthe configuration data 370 stored in the data store 306. In particular,the server processing system 410 has one or more cryptographic keyswhich are used by the taximeter 301 to perform the mutual authenticationprocess such that the taximeter 301 is placed in the configuration mode.The server processing system 410 can then transfer new fare data to thedevice 301 to replace old fare data stored in the device's memory 306.

A storage device 339, such as a USB storage device, can be coupled bythe taxi driver to the interface 338 in order to copy at least a portionof the data stored in the data store 306. In particular, the taxi drivermay wish to keep a copy of the trips and payments made whilst operatingthe taxi for a particular shift. The taxi driver couples the USB storagedevice 339 to the interface 338 and then interacts with the touch screendevice to select the data to be copied to the USB storage device 339.The reporting application 314 can be used to perform this task, whereinthe reporting application 314 may indicate the data stored in the 306which the driver can copy. It is preferable that the reportingapplication 314 only allows a portion of the data 306 to be copied asparticular data may not be appropriate for the taxi driver. For example,payment data and/or trip data associated with the taxi driver may becopied to the USB storage device 339 by the reporting application 314.

Whilst the device 301 is operational, the reporting application 314transfers various data from the data store 306 to the server processingsystem 410, wherein the server processing system 410 records this datain the server data store 415. In some forms, the reporting application314 periodically transfers the data to the server processing system 410.For example, the payment data 358 associated with the current taxidriver, operational data 360, detection data 372 and trip data 366 maybe transferred to the server processing system 410. Generally, only newrecords that have not been previously transferred are sent to the serverprocessing system 410 by the reporting application 314.

During a trip for a passenger, the taximeter 301 can receive a videofeed from the video camera 332 of the system 300. The device 301displays on the touch screen display 328, simultaneously with the meterinterface of the meter application 312, a video frame indicative of thevideo feed. The video feed acts as a deterrent to passengers to refrainfrom performing an illegal act such as assaulting the taxi driver orexiting the tax without payment. The processor 302 may store in the datastore 306 at least a portion of the video feed.

The passenger detection sensor(s) 346 can be used to detect when apassenger enters or exits the taxi. In one form, the passenger detectionsensor(s) 346 may be one or more door latch sensors to sense when thedoor of the taxi is opened or closed. The passenger detection sensor(s)346 may additionally or alternatively be one or more pressure sensorsfor sensing pressure upon passenger seats in the taxi. The processor 302uses the one or more signals received from the pressure detectionsensor(s) to determine if a passenger is in the taxi. Upon positivedetermination, the processor 302 stores in the data store 304 aninstance and time of the detection as detection data 364. The detectiondata 364 can be reported back to the server processing system and can beused in combination with the operational data 360 and the payment data358 to audit whether free trips are being provided by the taxi driver.

Whilst the taximeter 301 is operational, the communication device 320measures and stores signal strength data indicative of GPRS signalstrength of one or more communication networks. The signal strength datais stored as part of the operational data 360 which is periodicallytransferred from the device 301 to the server processing system 410 forstorage in the server data store 415.

The secure crypto-processor 334 of the device 301 is configured with ananti-tamper assembly. In particular, in the event that the housing ofthe taximeter 301 is opened, the anti-tamper assembly is actuatedcausing the secure crypto-processor 334 to dump all data from memory toensure that secure keys are not used for fraudulent purposes. Theanti-tamper assembly includes a battery used to actuate the dumping ofthe data from memory.

During the trip the passenger can arrange for prepayment prior toreaching the destination. In particular, the passenger may utilise theapplication 460 of the mobile communication device 450 to arrange forautomatic prepayment. Authorisation data is transferred to the serverprocessing system 410 (potentially via the taximeter 301) from themobile communication device 450 to authenticate the payment of the finalamount due calculated by the taximeter 301. Additionally, theauthorisation data may be indicative of a destination point or area toensure that the trip is recorded as ending by the taximeter 301 in theevent that the taxi driver does not record the trip as having ended.When authorisation has been received by the server processing system410, a confirmation message is transferred from the server processingsystem 410 to the taximeter 301 to indicate to the taxi driver, via thetouch screen display 328, that prepayment authorisation has beenreceived. Additionally, a confirmation message is transferred to themobile communication device 450 via the application 460 indicating theprepayment arrangement and a trip identifier which can be used to obtaina copy of an electronic receipt in the future. Upon reaching thedestination, the taxi driver interacts with the device 301 via the touchscreen display 328 or the controls 318 to record the end of the trip.The total due amount is transferred from the taximeter 301 to the serverprocessing system 410, due to the prepayment being authorised, whereinthe server processing system 410 facilitates the payment accordinglywhich may include transferring a payment request to the paymentprocessing system 470 if required. Due to the prepayment arrangement,the taximeter 301 records the amount due in the payment data 358 in thedata store. The passenger can use the trip identifier indicated inresponse to the confirmation of prepayment to obtain a copy of theelectronic receipt. This may be achieved via the application 460 or viaa terminal 480 as previously discussed. It will be appreciated that theprepayment arrangement can be directly arranged between the taximeter301 and the mobile device 450. In particular, authorisation data istransferred from the mobile device 450 to the taximeter in relation tothe prepayment arrangement. Upon the destination being reached, thetotal amount due is then transferred to the server processing system 410for processing.

The taximeter 301 also has stored in memory 304 a news application 316.The news application 316 includes an interface which is presentedsimultaneously whilst the meter application 312 is operating. The newsapplication 316 presents recent news information accessed from eitherthe server processing system 410 or a third party processing system. Thenews application 316 may be presented in the form of a news ticker.

The taximeter 301 can have an additional PIN pad 340 releasably coupledthereto via the interface 338. Specifically, particular taxi operatorsmay wish to process other financial instruments which PIN pad 350 may beunable to process. As such, the interface 338 enables a second oralternate PIN pad 340 to be releasably coupled to the device 301 inorder to process other financial instruments.

Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said tobroadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to orindicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or allcombinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, andwherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that many modifications, changes, substitutions oralterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention may take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment, firmware, or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A taximeter apparatus for ataxi, the apparatus including a processing system and a memory havingstored therein a plurality of computer instructions, which when executedby the processing system, cause the processing system to: receive aroute from a server via a network, the route indicative of at least astart location or a destination location for a passenger; receive a farefrom the server based on the route; receive geographical coordinates asthe taxi progresses from the start location to the destination location;use the geographical coordinates to confirm the destination was reached;and cause a payment application to facilitate electronic payment of thefare after confirming the destination was reached.